GMT gifted to me by my Father

[Spooledup79]

Hello All,
As you can see I’m new here but this is obviously the place for all things Rolex. I just wanted to share my GMT that was gifted to me by my father. He has had it since the early 70s (he is thinking 1973ish). It been a lot of places on his wrist and has seen a lot of interesting things during its time with him. He gave it to me on my 46th birthday and said I rather see you enjoy it while I’m still alive! It means the world to me know that it was his for all that time and now I can enjoy on my wrist vs saying “hey Dad let me check out your Rolex again”. Hope the pics will post and you all can see it’s been worn as it should have been and seen a lot of things.

So my question is am I heading in the right direction sending it to ZWR for a service and possibly a bracelet replacement? I started an email chain with ZWR today asking if it’s something they would like to do and if they would not alter the Bezel/hands/Face during its time there other than clean while doing a service. I also asked if they would do a detailed not pertaining to the work performed and if returning the worn/replaced parts to me to keep it all together for is journey through life. Is that the norm for family watches? Keep them as is to show the use of loved ones? Is there a downside to that type of restoration? I’m also thinking nato strap at this time vs new bracelet. Thoughts on that as well please.

For my concerns, I’ll add the bracelet has a lot of wear and I’m afraid of losing the watch due to its condition. Actually it has to have a rubber band to keep it together at the clasp due to a pin retention issue. I honestly don’t think it’s ever been serviced. My father stated it still works why would I do that! For me personally I’d like to have the proper people service, clean and possibly replace the bracelet if a replacement is available.

Lastly it’s good to be here and I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you all so please bear with me.

Oh yeah serial number is 3,145,xxx. Is there anything that jumps out to anyone about this watch in this configuration? I’m assuming it’s a typical GMT that’s been to hell and back.

[Dan S]

It's great to have a family piece like this. You can have the bracelet restored if you want, it looks like a C&I rivet bracelet, which were often used for watches sold in the US. Or you can wear it on a modern bracelet, it's really just personal taste. I like the rivet bracelets, so I would probably have it restored and use it.

I don't have any particular concerns about the watch, but if you want feedback, you should crop out the background so we can get a better look at the watch itself.

[godsey]

Zimmerman's do incredible work.

[Spooledup79]

Thanks for the replies. Some more pics that might be slightly better.

[Spooledup79]

A few more.

[1William]

Nice story and a cool watch.

[Ferrari308]

What a fantastic watch!!!

Nicely done - I hope to see it once you have it serviced and such.



PDG

[Tom1675]

Very nice piece and i didn't see anything about this but don't polish it, that's your Dad's patina and wear. Get the bracelet overhauled and you're good.

[TimeLord2]

Great watch, nice patina, nice insert, case looks to be, dare I say, unpolished. Love the bracelet too. Looks like a job for Rolliworks unless Zimmerman offers bracelet refurbishment as well. Wear it in good health.

[00Seven]

Love stories like this. Beautiful watch! Keep it going strong for the next generation. :)

[watchcrank]

Looks like a very original watch. Congrats, Michael Young in Hong Kong can rebuild the bracelet.

[Jackie Daytona]

Awesome stuff! Beautiful watch! I enjoyed reading your story on it.